Hygiene Centre
at Woodford House Dental Practice in Woodford Green, Essex

Periodontal Disease Prevention

Here at Woodford House Dental Practice we have developed a full preventive programme against Periodontal disease. Our aim is to prevent the onset and progress of Periodontal disease through education.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket. Bone loss occurs and once lost does not grow back.

Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called Periodontitis.

Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Tobacco smoking or chewing
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Crooked teeth
• Fillings that have become defective
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives

Several warning signs that can signal a problem:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

It is possible to have periodontal disease and not be aware of it!

You may experience some or all of the above symptoms.

What treatment is available?
Periodontal disease can be treated in a number of different ways, depending on how advanced it is.
In its milder form, gingivitis can be treated by the hygienist who will remove the plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing. Working with you she will devise a program to help improve your oral hygiene, which involves brushing properly after every meal and flossing at least once a day.

At Woodford House, our hygiene team are trained to deal with advanced periodontal disease.

What do our hygienists do?
A thorough analysis of your condition is made at your first visit
Measure the depth of the pockets around individual teeth
Note areas showing bleeding, swelling and tenderness
Start removal of plaque and tartar with hand instruments and ultrasonic instruments to immediately reduce oral bacteria levels
Remove the plaque that remains in pockets deep under the gum line
Intense home care regime combined with regular visits will show a marked improvement
The number of visits and treatment are dependent on how you respond

Antibiotics can also be prescribed to kill some of the bacteria associated with gum disease and can be used in conjunction with surgical and non-surgical treatment of the gums.

You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.

Excellent home care is the key

• Brush your teeth after every meal
• Clean between your teeth – use aids like floss or TePe's
• Eat a balanced diet
• Regular dental and hygiene visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Only a dentist or a hygienist will be able to detect the early symptoms of this disease.
Make sure that a regular dental examination is part of your healthcare routine helping to reduce the risks and maintaining your healthy smile.
At Woodford House, our team continuously invests in education to provide you with the best care possible.